


> < 

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OLGA. 



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V 3 

Bv H. ALLEN and C. CAMPBELL. * 



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» Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year iSSs, by 4 

J H. Allen and C. Campbell, 3 

^ in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 

» 

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» SAN FRANCISCO: \ 

P Privaie Press Co., Stevenson Street. <S 

t 1885. < 



OLGA. 



J^ IFI^^E .A.OT IDTi^A^JsaiJ^. 



By H. ALLEN and C. CAMPBELL. 



F.ntered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S85, by 

H. Allen and C. Campbell, 
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington 



SAN KKANCISCO: 



^ 2, 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 






MoNS. Le Peon. 

Madam Le Peon. 

Olga Le Peon. 

Floretta. (Olga's Maid.) 

Madam Cargnac, (Olga's Nurse.) 

Joseph, (Servant.) 

Count Sjorelki, (Grand Duke's Confidential Servant.) 

Grand Doke Alexis J 

Czar of Russia. ) 

Czarina of Russia. 

Dr. Lanceroff. • 

Nihilist No. i. 

Count Bubbleoff, (Captain of Guard.) 

Count Nicholoff, (Commander-in-Chief of Army.) 

Count Stivoli, (Clerk of Military Tribunal.) 

Count Pavilichi, (Member of Military Tribunal.) 

Count Kurko, (Member of Military Iribunal.) 

Atkins Malcolm, (Clerk in British Diplomatic office.) 

John Silver, (Clerk in .'\merican Diplomatic office.) 

Lord Bell, (British Ambassador at St. Petersburg.) 

Count Von Wangheim, ((Jerman Ambassador at St. Petersburg.) 

Count Melikoff, (Minister of War.) 

Count Skobeloff, (Minister of Foreign Affairs.) 

Aide-Camp. 

Soldiers, Etc. 



O I. G A ! 

A DRAMA IjY FIVE ACTS. 



ACT I. 

Scene— Parlor in the mansion of Mons. l.e Peon, in Paris. 

Enter Madam Le Peon, [l. u. e.] with open letter in hand. 

Madam Le Peon, (c.) Villain of villains! [Stamping her foot]. Coward 
of cowards ! This man, this wolf, clothed in the skin of a lamb, enters my house 
as a favored guest, and throwing his winning manners aside, shows his diabolical 
nature ! The gentleman born, but devil incarnate ! Oh, what a pride ! What 
a noble figure he will look seated on his throne, surrounded by his courtiers ! 
He, the despoiler of my child's happiness — my only child, my Olga. Oh, Almighty 
God ! let not such villains live ! Show that thou, and thou alone, can protect 
the innocent, and cut such fiends short in their career ! Follow him with just and 
awful vengeance ! Oh, Olga, Olga ! when your father hears of his loved 
daughter's dishonor, what will he say? Great God in heaven, give me strength 
to break this awful news to my husband ! The blow will be terrible ! His 
declining years bereft of the comfort and happines due his old and honorable age ! 
May God forgive you, Olga ! [Goes to retire, and as approaches the door]. Here 
he comes, her father ! What shall I do? Heaven direct me ! 
Enters Mons. Le Peon [l. c] 

Mons. Le Peon. (l. c.) Where's Why ! What's the matter? What has 

happened? Is Olga ill? Vou with tears in your eyes ! There must be some- 
thing wrong ! Tell me the trouble ; be it ever so bad, I will share it with thee ! 

Madam Le Peon. Victor, Victor ! Must this come to you in your old age. 
Must dishonor come to us when we are about ripe for the grave ? And must this 

dishonor be brought by our only , Oh, God ! Spare a mother's breaking 

heart ! [Bursts into tears, and sinks in chair. B. c] 

Mons. Le Peon. [Approaching.] What does this mean ? What is this dis- 
honor? No one would dishonor Victor Le Peon ! All France would cry, shame i 

Madam Le Peon. Read ! Read his letter ! 'I'he villain's letter ! 

Mons. Le Peon. " My darling Olga." This belongs to Olga. 

Madam Le Peon. Read! It e.xplains all ! [Rises and retires up stage.] 



2 O L G A . 

MoNS Le Peon. (c.) " My darling Olga, I received your kind and 
■ affectionate letter of the 27th inst. , and make haste to reply. \'ou ask me to 
fulfill my promise to marry you, and thus hide your disgrace. For my own sake, 
I would willingly do so, but at present there are ob.stacles which compel me to 
abandon such a proceeding. When 1 become Emperor of Russia, 1 will do all 
that lies in my power to make you happy. \ our child, if it lives, will be provided 
for. Adieu, my darling Olga. Ale.xis." 

MoNS. Le Peon. [Repeal slow.] My God! Has he betrayed my child? 
Has he sullied his name by bringing dishonor and the deepest disgrace on a 
family who welcomely received him as their guest ? [Turns to Madam Le Peon] 
Tell me, .wife, is it true? Has this future king, this emperor, dared to dishonor 
us and our daughter? 'J'ell me ! Vou answer not ! Then by the God of 
Heaven I if tliis letter is truth, not all the .soldiers of his empire, his wealth, his 
every atonement will protect him from a father's vengeance. Where is Olga? 
She SHALL answer ! [Rings bell, servant answers.] , Send Olga at once ! [Servant 
bows and retires.] He who ruins Victor Le Peon's love and hope lives but to 
die an ignominious death ! 

Enter Olga L. c. and falls on her knees before her father. 
Olga Le Peon. Father, iorgi\e me. 

MoNS Le Peon. Great God ! Then it is true ! He, by crafty subtleness has 
brought reproach upon my only child ! [Pause.] ^ ou, [With feeling.] who 
have been my hope, my joy, my life, have fallen a prey to the insatiable devil- 
ment of this villain ! Girl ! Do you not know that the finger of scorn will be 
pointed at your mother and father ! [Softly,] \ ou over whom we have watched, 
through sickness and through childhood ; over whom we have doated and cried ! 
[Passionately.] May the curse of hell rest on him, and may you who was once 

my daughter be . [Madam I.e Teon runs forward and places her hand on 

his lips.] 

Mauam Le Peon. She has sinned, which cannot now be helped ! Heap on 
him who has wronged her, your cur.^es, but spare, oh spare, our child ! Oh, 
Victor, Victor, let us forgive her ! Forgive her, my husband ! On my knees I 

plead her forgiveness. [Kneels.] Oh, Victor, Victor ! 

Mons. Le Peon. Rise wife I I forgive our child ; but by the cross and the 
altar, I swear to be avenged on her betrayer ! [Retires ttp stage.] 

Mauam Le Peon. Rise, Olga, darling ! [Madam Le Peon lifts and places 
Olga on sofa.] There ! [Kisses.] May you live to bless us both ! Come. 
\'ictor I [Exit Madam and Mons. Le I eon. c] 
Olga. [On her knees.] Father in Heaven, forgive my sin 1 

Enter Olga's nurse — Madam Cargnac. R. 
Madam Cai«;nac. [Approaching Olga.] Olga, darling, [1 ooks in face.] 
Why ! what's the matter? What ails you child? Crying ! come now, wipe the 
tears away, and be yourself again ! [Olga gives nurse letter.] Me to read this? 
[Reads letter.] My God ! My darling's life blighted by such a scoundrel ! 
_Well may her mother weep ; her father's cheek blanch, and his noble frame bow 

with agony ! Well may . 

Olga. [Rising.] Nurse ! Oh, nurse, heap not more misery on my head I 
Pity me ! Show me how to avenge my disgrace and my father and mother's 



OLQA. 3 

dishonor ! Oh, nurse ! if you love me, save me this reproach ! [P'alls on 
knees beseechingly]. 

Madam Cargnac. Love you, my child ? I will always love you. 

Olga. But my father? 

Madam Cargnac. He will love you too. Co.Tie, cheer up, darling. 

Olga. No ! nurse, that can never be. I have dishonored his name. 

Madam CIargnac. Olga, a father's love for his child is greater than for his 
honored name. 

Olga. Nurse, leave me. Vou cannot help me. 

Madam Cargnac. Olga, child, do you think I will reproach you, and 
make your fair young life as a blighted flower? No, darling, my love was 
always great for you, but it will be boundless in the future. For tliat man, my 
curse is on him. Him, the future king of Russia? His childmay be ruler of his 
empire, whilst you may live to be his wife. 

[Olga rises quickly to her feet as if struck with suddenly revealed thought, 
and grasps nurse by hand, c] 

Olga. Nurse! do you believe in the sudden change of destines? Do you 
believe ihat outraged nature can live another life ? That death is fearless to it ? 
From this time forth my life is changed. A ftw days ago I was the guileless, 
innocent child. Now I am the hardened and wronged woman. Him, I now 
loathe, but for my father and mother's sake he shall be my husband. Wronged 
woman's crafty mind is still more than a match for the villainous devices of such 
scoundrels, .^t my feet he shall plead for mercy, and no mercy shall be shown 
him. He may >eek my love, but no love will he receive. My hand he shall 
accept in marriage, but this heart will be as stone. No! I am the child no 
longer. My time has come, and I will now pursue the path of vengeance vmtil 
I lay him dead and mangled at my feet. Woman's love is great, but her revenge 
is swift and sure. A coward he lives, and a coward he dies. Nurse, listen ! 
By the love of my father and mother 1 swear never to rest this right hand until 
my disgrace is avenged. May 1 be cursed, and this hand wither at my side if 1 
falter in this duty ! 

Enter jMons. and Madam Le Peon, (c.) 

MoNs. Le Peon. Olgft ! 

Olg.\. [Turning startingly.] Father ! Mother ! 

MoNS. Le Peon. There, my child, we will speak of this no more ; we will not 
think of the past. We love you still. 

Olga. Oh ! dearest father, you tell me to blot out the past ! Never can it be 
obliterated from my memory. My shame is patent to the world. 

Mauam Le Peon. Come, now, my child, do not grieve so. Let us picture 
to ourselves the happy future. 

Olga. Oh ! mother, mother ! How can I think of happiness? My future is 
dark and dangerous. There are many obstacles in my path, which I must 
overcome. 

MoNS. Le Peon. What do you mean? What obstacles? What dangers? 

Olga 1 cannot tell. Could I see them, or know when and where they would 
appear, my task would be most easy. 



4 OLGA. 

Madam Cargnac. Come, Olga, you are ill. 

Olga. Ves, nurse, I am ill— in mind ! Oh ! leave me, leave me ! No one 
loves me now ! 

Madam Le Peon. [Approaching and taking Olga's hand.] Olga ! do you 
believe we do not love you ? Do you think that your mother's heart is hardened 
against you? No, Olga ! you must not believe us so cruel I 

Olga. [Clasping her mother's neck.] Mother, you have always loved me, 
but all this love has changed. I know it ! It must be ! I have become as one 
without hope ; without love. A very outcast ! 

MoNS. Le Peon. Now, Olga, let that be the last. Forget your wrongs. We 
love and pity you. 

Olga. Pity me? Am I to bepitied? Pitied bj' my father ? Has compassion 
taken the place of love? Oh! father, father ! 

MoNS. Le Peon. Why, Olga, what do you mean? You must not be so 
foolish. Live to become a noble woman. Be a joy and pride to us all. 

Olga. Such a life is impossible. Revenge will be my future life. All do 1 
forsake for it. 

Madam Le Peon. Olga, do not act so ! Forget and forgive? 

Olga. [Startingly.] I will be revenged ! Vou mother, tell me to forget and 
forgive? Never ! As long as I have breath I will curse him. Has he not 
wronged me? Go! You, are not mother. 

MoNS. Le Peon. Girl! [approaching.] Are you mad? Do you understand 
what you are saying ? Do as your mother desires ! 

Olga. Father! Mother! [Drawing back.] (Slowly.) What do you mean ? 
Have you forgotten? Tell me ! I will . 

Mada.m Cargnac. Olga, Olga ! Now do not get excited. Come ! [Ap- 
proaching.] 

Olga. Back! Away! Leave me! You hate me. I know it. I am mad! 
Mad! Oh! save me! Save me! [Falls on sofa weeping.] 

Madam Cargnac. [Approaching Olga.] Dear child, weep! Your time 
will come. Fear not! 

MoNS. Le Peon. Olga, my child, you must forget the past. This 

Olga. [Rising suddenly.] Away! Begone! You love me not! Speak 
not of forgiveness! Ha-ha! Ha-ha! I will have him in my power! Go! 

Madam Le Peon. Olga, child, my child ! [Runr>ing to clasp Olga.] 

Olga, No, no ! I am dead to you. Leave me ! 

end of act I. 



OLG-A. 



ACT II. 

Scene i — Olga's boudoir in Mons. Le Peon's mansion in suburbs of Paris. 

Olga. [Reposing on sofa.] They say I am changed; so altered as to be 
scarcely recognizable. Did they expect otherwise? Have they no respect? 
Have they no sympathy for me? None! I cannot hope for it. But the day 
is fast approaching when I will have my solemn revenge, and punish this scoundrel 
fourfold for his perfidy. [Rises and walks towards mirror, r.] A tinge of gray 
is trifling with my hair ; the furrows on my brow indicate not age, but sorrow ; 
my sunken eyes denote sad tliought. Still, I feel my blood burning for the 
revenge so justly its,due. [r. c] Oh ! how I long for the old love of my father 
and mother, but yearn in vain ! [Sinks in chair.] 

Enter Servant. 

Servant. A paper, madam. [Retires.] 

Olga. What does this mean? [Opening paper.] What's this? " Birth of a 
son to the Grand Duchess Alexis !" 1 am lost ! My child's hopes are blasted ! 
Now he will never keep his promise ! Oh, God ! how hard thy hand appears to 
weigh on me. Help and guide me. Will he fulfill his promise ? [Rises.] Ves ! 
he SHALL ! Let him fail, and I, who am already wronged, will then be doubly 
wronged. Restless 1 remain until I meet him face to face. If he discards me, I 
will kill him. Words cannot picture the contempt I have for such as he. Hate 
is as nothing compared to the hatred 1 feel toward this man. Let him come and 
he will find me the gentle lamb in outward appearance, but with the smothered 
rage of the foiled lioness within. My game will be deep and carefully planned. 
Should failure result, it will be by the grace of God that he should live. His 
promise may be broken, but my oath to be revenged, never ! His last letter 
stated that within six days he hoped to be here. 1 will wait. 

Enter Servant. 

Servant. i\ladam, a letter. The gentleman waits an answer. . 

Olga. I will ring. [Servant retires.] What is this? The Russian seal ! Is 
it fatal or otherwise? [Breaks seal.] " Darling Olga ; the bearer of this letter. 
Count Storelki, my trusted and confidential servant, will receive your answer as 
to whether you will be able to meet me this evening, when I purpose fulfilling my 
promise to you. With greatest love for you, my darling. Ale.xis." 1 here is very 
little time to consider. I will see this Count Storelki. [Rings bell, servant 
appears.] Show the gentleman in. [Enter Count Storelki c. bowing. Servant 
retires.l Welcome, Sir Count. His royal highness has made you the honored 
bearer of a letter to your obedient servant, and has deigned for an answer. In 
that letter his highness intimated that he will be in Paris to-night. Are you 
aware of the contents of his highness' letter? 

Count Storelki. \es. Mile. Le Peon, his royal highness did inform me 
of his intentions. Pray may I receive an answer? 

Olga. Excuse me, my lord, I am so happy at receiving his royal highness' 
letter that I have forgotten the honor due your position. Pray be seated. [R.c] 



6 OLGA. 

Count Storelki. (l. c.) Thank you, Mile. I am glad to hear that the 
Prince's letter has pleased you. 

Olga. By to-day's paper I notice an heir has been born to your royal master. 
Undoubtedly the Grand Duke will be pleased ? 

Count Storelki. Certainly, your ladyship. 

Olga. [Aside.] I dislike this man. [Aloud. 1 But his highness' letter ; is it 
imperative that I should give you an answer at once ? Could you call later, and 
without fail it will be awaiting you ? 

Count Storelki. [Rising.] I will return, Mile. Such delicate subjects for 
the ladies must be seriously considered. Before going. Mile. Le Peon, I wish to 
impress upon you that his royal highness hopes no person other than your family 
will be aware of his presence in Paris. It would be injudicious. Mile, au revoir. 
[Exit c] » 

Olga. So that is Count Storelki, the confidential servant of the (jrand Duke ! 
I do not like him. It is the old .saying: "crime travels in pairs." I must be 
careful of that man. He watches me with suspicious eyes. He has been blinded 
this time, but 1 will watch him in the future. Come what may, my noble lord, 
thy wife this night I shall be, and before God and witnesses you shall be my 
husband. My father will object, but I must win him round. [ will see him. 
[Rings, servant enters.] Is my father in his study? 

Servant. Your father. Mile., has been asking for you. 

Olga. Tell him then, that 1 will speak to him. [Retires servant.] Mother 

will not object if father gives his consent, and to that he mu>t. If not 

[Enter Mons. Le Peon. c. Olga approaching him.] Dear old father; after all 
there are none like you and mother. 

Mows. Le Peon. Well, darling child, your servant says you want to talk me 
to sleep. 

()l';a. No, father, I want to give you news, glorious news ! but you must 
promise not to object to my request. 

MoNS. Le Peon. Your father will give you all you may wish, darling, but he 
will make no rash promises. What is it, child? 

Olga. Father, [Pause.] I know you object. Listen to me. In that room 
sleeps a child, who will .some day be the ruler of Russia; its mother is no 
wedlocked wife ; on its fair innocent brow is marked the stain of shame ; over its 
mother's head hangs the fallen sword of deep disgrace. An offer has been made 
to avert this awful doom, and 

MoNs. Le Peon. [Rising.] Child, stay thai idle prattle ! Let the past be 
buried. Raise not those memories which are hateful to us all. [Reproachingly.] 
Have I not already spoken distinctly upon that subject? Whysocruel? Why so 
inconsiderate ? Is ever speak to me 

Olga. Father ! do j'ou not think I suffer by recalling the past? Do you not 
think I feel the degrading load upon my shoulder^ Do you believe I am for- 
getful of my wrongs? As you swore to have revenge, so did I take oath as 
solemn. Do you believe 1 still love him? No! I despise the coward, and it 
is his cowardice which brings him to my feet, craving to be my husband. Oh ! 
sweet revenge ! [Affectionately.] Father, consent to my marriage to this man 
to-night. 



OLGA. 7 

MoNS. Le Peon. [In astonishment.] Woman! Child no longer! Why such 
hatred and such wish to be this man's wife? Have [Looking fixedly at her. J 

you become ! No, no! You could never be steeled in crime! Never! Is 

he in Paris? 

Olga. Read his letter. [Mons. Le Peon reads letter.] 

MoNS. Le Peon. Well, have you answered it ? 

Olga. No sir, I have not, knowing the objections you have to this man. 
Give me your consent for my marriage ; your hand as a witness, and let 
pro ifidence guide me in the rest. Father, consent, and I will show the world that 
Olga Le Peon is still a woman. 

Mons. Le Peon. Daughter, I hate the man, but as you wish it, for your child's 
sake, I will be present as a witness to this too late atonement. 

Olga. [Throwing her arms round him.] Father I thank and love you. 
Dearer and dearer you both become to me every day. Soon we will be parted, 
maybe to meet no more. May God bless you both, and heaven help me to 
redress your wrongs. [Kisses him.] Tell mother what has happened. I will 
write my answer, 

Mons. Le Peon. May you never live to repent this rash act. God bless 
you! [Retires c] 

Olga. Poor old father! I must hurry, for this servant will be here for his 
answer, and he shall keceive it. ves, get it. [Rings bell, servant enters.] Tell 
nurse to come to me. [Servant retires.] This letter will be short and sweet, 
unlike his life which will be long and miserable. [Writes note.] 

Enter Madam Cargnac. (l. c. ) 

Madam Cargnac. Well, darling, what's the matter? 

Olga. Read this letter. 

RL^DAM Cargnac. [Reads Alexis' letter.] Him here? Is he not ashamed 
to show his face? Have you accepted his offer? What are j'ou going to do ? 

Olga. [Rising.] Marry him, and be the curse of his life. His servant will 
call for my answer ; here it is. Do not let him question Floretta or the servants . 
My marriage takes place this evening. \ ou will be witness with my parents, but 
not one person in this house must know. He will leave immediately after the 
wedding. Get everything ready, and appear happy, for his messenger is watch- 
ing us. [Going.] 

Madam Cargnac. Well, my child, this beats everything. 

Olga. \'ou remember my vow? 

Mvdam Cargnac. Yes. 

Olga. I now see my way to fulfill it. 1 will need your help. 

Madam Cargnac. And most willingly 1 give it. 

Olga. Come, I will go and see mother, and you at once look to my dress. 
[Both retire.] 

Enter I'loretta with Joseph, servant, (c.) 

Floretta. Now, Mr. Joe, you be kind enough to attend to your duties, and 
leave my young mistress' private business alone. 
Joseph. Look here, Floretta, I was attending to duties in the hall, and 



8 OLGA. 

although 1 did place my ear to the key-hole, I could not keep Mile. Olga's con- 
versation out. 

Kloretta. Don't you feel ashamed of yourself? Go! Leave me! I could 
never love you. 

Joseph. Floretta, forgive me. I will never do it again. 

Floketta. No! Vou are beneath my notice! Vou gossip ; you eavesdropper ; 
Begone ! 

Joseph. And what are you, eh? 

Floretta. Begone, sir! [F-x't Joseph, c] What an impudent fellow. I 
came to light the candles, and talking to that fool, nearly made me forget them. 
[Lighting.] No doubt there is some mischief in the wind this evening, as nurse 
and Olga are in close conversation ; Mons. Le Peon has a black cloud on his 
face, and his wife is weeping. That looks cheerful : something of the old days 
again. [Exit R. c] 

Enter Alexis and Olga. (C.) 

Alexis. Darling, at last we are united. You are now my wife ; our child, a 
lasting bond between us. A few minutes more and 1 must be speeding as fast 
as fleet horses can take me, back to my father's palace. \ ou, my ever darling, 
must remain until I prepare for you. 

Olga. Ah ! dear, are we to part so soon ? Why not take me with you? I can 
not be parted from you ! Take me with you; do, dear. 

.■-\lexis. It is impossible. 

Olga. Xo, dear, let me come. Do ! 

Alexis. If you wish, follow me a week hence : but you must leave the child 
behind. 

Olga. Why? 

Alexis. You see, darling Olga, that you could not live in the palace with the 
child. Until you get things settled, he had better remain with your parents. Is 
that not best? 

Enter Count Storelki. (c.) 

Count Storelki. The carriage is waiting, your highness. [Retires.] 
Alexis. Here, love, let me place this ring on your finger, and by simply 
showing it on arrival at the Russian frontier, or in any portion of my father's 
dominions, no person will molest 5'ou. Command, and it will be done. Now, 
good-bye I [Kisses, exit, c] 

Olga. I have mounted one step at last! What a hypocrite I have been. 
Does he believe I love him? This cold hardened heart of mine hates him 
despises him! I have him in'hiy power at last. He thinks 1 will leave my child 
behind. Never! A mother's love is greater than her wrong. His child wii.i. 
SL'CCEEn HIM. He will live to curse the day he wedded me, and I will live to 
gloat over his dying moments. 

END OF ACT II. 



OLGA. 



ACT III. 

Scene i — Count Storelki's Chamber in Winter Palace at St. Petersburg. 
Scene 2 — Corridor in Winter Palace. 
Scene 3— Bamljuet Hall in Winter Palace. 

Scene i— Count Storelki's Chamber. 

Count Storelki. [Sitting.] I am at a loss to understand why his majesty 
ever married such a woman. If she does not make him stoop to her, I am sadly 
mistaken. What eyes she has— keen, coal black! Ones which never dim. I 
won't interfere with that property, and there are few in this palace who will care 
to cross her path. Her maid, I consider a sweet young lady, and no doubt is 
admitted to h(.r mistress' confidence. I must look to this maid for all the neces- 
sary information regarding her mistress' movements. However, I will consult 
his majesty, whom 1 expect momentarily. [Rising.] Ah, here he comes! [Ap- 
proaches door. L. E.] Hullo ] How did you come here? 

Enter Floretta. 

Floretta. ^L. E.) What part of this exposition am I in, sir? I have lost 
my way. Why don't you name the streets? 

CofNT SToiiELKt. Vou are in the east wing of the Winter Palace. Pray be 
seated. I am alone, and have a few minutes to spare. 

Kloretta. [Sitting.] Well, you look lonely! Every time 1 see you I pity 
your loneliness! Why don't you get married? 

Count Stokeki. [Laughingly.] Get married? No, no, my dear young 
lady! I see enough of wives without being caught having one. I don't like the 
women 

Floretta. Cood-bye, sir! [Going.] 

Count Storelki. Stop! stop! Where are you going ? 

Floretta. I don't like the men. Good 

Count Storelki. But there is always an exception. Besides, you would 
not allow me to finish. Come, stay! 1 like your company. 

Floretta. [Returning.] Oh, then, I'll forgive you! Men who hate the ladies, 
despise all that is fair and lovely on this earth. 

Count Storelki. [Aside.] I wonder what she's after? [To F'loretta.] 
Without doubt, my dear Miss, that is the case; but how can I love the ladies 
when the ladies don't love me? Do you know you are the first lady who has 
ever entered this room? 

Floretta. Then I intrude. I will go. [Going.] 

Count Storelki. No, no! Stay. 'S our presence here appears to dispel 
the monotony of this room. That pretty, winning smile lightens the darkness of 
the inmost recesses of my heart. How proud the man will be who claims you for 
his wife. By St. Peter, you are the prettiest lady in this palace! 



lO OLGA. 

Floretta. [Aside.] He thinks me a simpleton. 

Count Storelki. If it were not for my being master-in-waiting to his 
majesty, 1 would be yours at your command. 

Floretta. Thank you, most noble Count, but that can never be. I do not 
believe in flattery. Like most of the men I fear you praise the ladies in their 
presence, and decry them when away. 

Count Stokelki. I see you hate the men as well as I dislike 

Floretta. I do not hate the men, sir, but I despise false flatterers. [Rising.) 
Kindly show me the way to my mistress' apartments. 

Count Storelki. Although I understand you are prejudiced towards me, 
yet, my dear Mile., I will compl}'. Allow me. [Offering arm.] 

Floretta. [Drawing back.] Excuse me, my arm is not tired. I will follow. 
[Aside.] He's a dangerous man. [Exit Count Storelki and Floretta. c] 

Enter Olga. (R. e.) 

Olga. This is the Count's room, and here his majesty is to meet him. 
Floretta succeeded in drawing him out. Do they believe no listeners will be near ? 
Let them scheme to kill me, but they will not succeed. His perfidy is worthy of 
the man. He commands me to accept the arm of Count Storelki as escort to the 
banquet in honor of his wife's birthday. He considers me a fool ; a child. We 
shall see. Some person comes. I'll hide here. [Hides behind curtain.] 

Enter Count Storelki and Czar. (L. E.) 

Count Storelki. Yes, your majesty, I must own she has become an obstacle 
in your way ; but what are you to do ? To exile her'is impossible, owing to the 
influence of her father in France. To .send her away is to disgrace your imperial 
name. To suggest some quick means to rid your majesty of this woman is 
beyond my power ; but my hand, my sword, my life is at your command, most 
high and mighty Czar. To command is thine, to do is mine! 

Czar. [Melancholy.] Well, my dear Count, I can make no suggestion. To deal 
with two wives is a greater difficulty than directing my government. Why was not 
man born to overcome such difficulties? In woman's hands man is as a mouse 
in a cat's paw I She plaj'S with him ; teases him ; quarrels with him, and when 
tired of him, kills him! 'i'his woman is a devil in female form. Her laugh is 
devilish ; her talk sarcastic, and her look so fearful thai it makes my blood 
curdle in my very \eins. [Rising.] Rid me of her Count, and the fairest 
province in Russia will be yours. Use any and every means, but for mj- sake, 
destroy this canker which is wasting my life. [Whispering.] Kill her! 

Count Storelki. [Astonished.] Your majesty says, kill her! Do you 
command, serene Czar? 

Czar. [Softly.] Hush! Let her die of slow poison, so as not to raise sus- 
picion, and be careful of your means. [.Aloud.] Let us prepare for the banquet. 
You act as knight to Olga. Raise no suspicion! [Exeunt. L. E.] 

Olga comes out from hiding place. 

Olga. Oh, miserable coward ! My death is to be added to your black soul — 
my blood to stain your crimson hands! No! At this banquet shall your hellish 



O L Q A . 11 

hand show its work. You base intriguer! Too cowardly to attempt to carry out 
your infernal designs, you must employ kind. Unworthy monarch of so 
great a people. My death may come, but never from your hands. Here are 
poisons of great subtlety. [Producing case of poison.] These will end your 
compeer's life. Your queen will die the lingering consumptive, but mystery will 
enshroud her death! Already my son occupies your heir's place! Some one 
comes! [Hides.] 

Enter Floretta. (l. e.) 

Floretta. It is near time for the banquet and her ladyship not dressed! 
Here's a flare up this time. Oh, my! I wonder where she is? I'm tired of this 
life. That American diplomatic clerk nearly drives me mad. I wonder where 
her ladyship is ? [Exit, k.] 

Enter Count Storelki and Murderer, (l. e.1 

Count Storelki. Now, my man, sit down. I understand you can be 
bought for money? [Murderer nods.] Are you willing to earn i,ooo roubles for 
a night's work ? 

Murderer. On one condition ; that you pay me half before I commence the 
work, and the remainder immediately after I finish. 

Count Storelki. You can have your terms. Are you satisfied ? 
Murderer. I am, sir. Tell me what is to be done ? 

Count Storelki. Be careful, for my hand will reach you if failure results. 
No accomplice must be with you. No person is to be sharer of your secret, and 
the work must be skilfully executed. Do you understand? [Nods.] Well, so 
far good. In this palace we have a woman who has gone mad, and threatens his 
majesty's life. She, we are determined to dispose of, and as you have been 
recommended .as one e.xpert in such delicate matters, I have called in your 
services. After the banquet to-night I will meet you on the Prospect, and lead 
you to her room. If 1 do not appear, consider the case as postponed for the 
present, but hold yourself in readiness when required. Now, my good man, take 
this money as a forfeit, and when your work is finished 1 will complete your 
demands. Be careful. 

Murderer, [raising.] Sir, I have disposed of several persons for this palace. 
I never ask questions, and never allow others! Lead the way. [Aside.] Those 
who befriend the murderer often are murdered first. [Exit loth. c. E. Olga 
returns.] 

Olga. Can sane woman's nerves stand this strain ? I feel as if a mighty 
power pulses through ray veins, and gives to my faltering heart the renewed life 
of .steadfast determination. My death by him has been fixed for this night. 
The silence of the midnight hour is to be broken by the murderer's hands 
twined round my neck, (jreat Ood! must this be so? No, no! Well said the 
murderer : " Those who befriend the enemy of God and man often are his first 
prey!" \ ou, base Count, shall be the first victim, and by my hand! At this 
banquet tragedy will enact a part understood by none. I go to prepare to 
accompany you to its table, from which your body will be carried a lifeless mass. 
[Exit. R.] 



12 OLGA. 

Scene 2— Corridor. 
Enter Silver and Malcolm in quest of Count Storelki. (L.) 

Silver. This is the way to the Count's room, I guess, but if he don't happen 
to be at home, what'll we do? Remain until he arrives? 

Malcolm. Certainly not. We are already intruders. V'ou have an invitation 
to the banquet this evening, so have I, and undoubtedly we will find means of 
communicating with him regarding this Nihilistic plot against his life. 

Silver. Whj' don't they start a republic, and be done with this plotting busi- 
ness? Kings are fools to raise 

Malcolm. Now, hold that nonsense! Do you understand into which net we 
are getting? for if we are being fooled we'll have to cut the country. 1 think 
we had better remain quiet a while longer. What think you? 

Silver. What'll become of us if we get caught? 

Malcolm. Sent to Siberia. 

Silver. Eh? Siberia ! The Czar will be blowed up before I'll go to Siberia! 
Come, let us present our credentials. No Siberia for me! Not by heaps of 
Czars! [Exit R.l 



Scene 3 -Banquet Hall. 

[The guests are in two lines, and the Czar and Czarina enter, followed by Count 
Storelki and Olga, and several high functionaries, the Russian National 
Anthem being played by musicians at time. On reaching head of table, the 
Czar and Czarina are seated, while Olga and Count .Storelki take a place 
several .seats from them, and all are immediately seated. Czar rises to 
speak.] 

Czar. ^ our imperial highness, [Bowing to Czarina.] Nobles and ladies : 
this evening we celebrate the anniversary of her majesty's birth. On behalf of 
her imperial majesty, and for the exceeding loyalty and kindness shown us, 1 
sincerely thank you. In the past we have endeavored to rule to please all. 
Although our efforts have been crowned with success, yet in the future we hope 
to so guide the welfare of Russia as to make her a great power in the deliberations 
of the affairs of Europe. Most illustrious guests, again we sincerely thank you. 
[Sits.] 

Count Skobelofk. [Uising.] \ our imperial majesties, nobles and ladies" 
I have the honor to convey to your majesties the loyalty and love of all Russia, 
Never in the annals of Russian history has she occupied such a prominent 
position in Europe, and her commerce so important a place,Lasat the present day. 
Love and quietness reigns throughout these vast dominions, and may they con- 
tinue forever. We, your most gracious majesties, joyfully drink your healths. 
[Drinks.] 

Lord Otto Bell. Vour majesties : by my most gracious sovereign, 1 am 
instructed to convey to her imperial majesty her Britannic majesty's most cordial 
congratulations. 



OLGA. 13 

Count Von Wangheim. \ our imperial majesties : I have the honor to con- 
vey to you the sincere regards and congratulations of the Emperor and Empress 
of Germany. 

Silver. [Aside.] J guess I ought to congratulate them on behalf of the 
I'resident of the United States, but I might get cashiered. 

CoaNT Mblikoff. Most imperial Czar and Czarina: on behalf of the army 
and navy I convey to you their great love and loyalty, and that you may be long 
spared to reign over us. 

Count Storelki. \ our most imperial majesties : on me devolves the most 
delicate task of this auspicious occasion. Its delicacy lies in my being the 
mouth-piece of our most fair and lovely ladies. Unless I convey to your 
majesties in a manner befitting my fair commissioners, their warmest and sin- 
cerest love Oh, (jod ! [Placing hand to heart, and falls back dead.] 

I Officers draw swords ; all rise and look for a moment at each other in astonish 
nient. Czar goes forward.] 

Czar. [Taking Count Storelki's hand.] He's ill ! Ijuick! quick! bring a phy- 
sician! LancerofT ! Hurry I 

Olga. [Aside.] i\Iy first victim. The greatest stroke is left for his master. 
I Turning to Czar.] Is he dead"? He was talking quite merrily with me before 
he rose to congratulate your majesties. Poor, poor Count, how I will miss you ! 

Enter Dr. LancerofT. (c. ) 

Dr. L.\nceroff. Allow .ne. [Pushing back people in way.] 

Czar. .Ah! Doctor, ve require your assistance. 

Dr. Lanceroff. .so use! He is dead! Clear case of apople.xy! Too 
much blood! 

Silver. [Aside to Malcolm.] Too much blood! Too much poison! Eh? 

Malcolm. Shut up ! Do you want to go to Siberia'? Go back to America, 
you fool. We don't know what the.se fellows are after. Confound your stupid 
tongue, it will be the ruin of us. 

Silver. Jumping eagles, I forgot Siberia! But I — *- 

Malcolm. Shut up, or you'll get skewered with these swords. 

Czar. [To Lanceroff.] Doctor, what has caused our brave companion's 
death? If false means have been enployed, by my empire, the wretch shall 
receive no pity, [i^ooks at Olga.] 

Lanceroff. [Kneeling over body.] Most miyhty Czar, I am positive ihat 
the Count's death has resulted from apople.xy. (jnce 1 treated him through a 
severe attack of this disease, and warned him of excitement. I'o that I ascribe 
his sudden death. 

Czar. Remove the body, and give it burial befitting a prince. [Retires.] 

Olg.a. [Alone.] My life is .saved! God let me be revenged before ] lose my 
reason! His turn is next ! 



END OF AtT III. 



14 OLGA. 



ACT IV. 

Scene— Olga'a Boudoir in Winter Palace. 

Enter Czar. (C.) 

Czar. [ToOlga, who is reclining .n sofa.] Now, your lady.ship, I am here for 
the last time, to have a decided understanding between us. This life to me is 
intolerable. Instead of a woman, 1 have had the devil to deal with. You have 
studied continually to thwart my designs. Everything that lies within man's 
power to do, 1 have done. Could I do more 1 Could I give you that which was 
not mine to give ? All Europe would have cried shame, and rebellion have 
stared me in the face. That was impossible! When I wedded you, I pictured 
the welcome with which you would receive me ; the joy which would be mine ; the 
love of one so fair, so young. Why so changed ? 

Olga. [Reclining.] Proceed. I listen! 

Czar. Sarcastic as ever! But listen to me you shall, for I see you are 
determined to fustrate all my endtavors to make life happy to us both. 1 have 
watched your falsity step by step through these long years, and each tends to 
show the mistake I made in bringing jou to this palace. Dark whispers have 
been associated with your name, and unhallowed deeds credited to your hands. 
Within the last few years you have made our Court notorious throughout Europe. 
Your very actions have made my ministers warn me of impending danger at your 
hands. Olga! for the love I bear you, speak and tell me that you are the Olga of 
my youthful love and joy! My old and only love! 

Olga. [Rising.] Man! Call not back the hurried past!- Wake not up such 
tales of joy and love! Ah! love to me then, was as a dream! Now, it is an 
object to be feared! You, sir, ask for requited love! But no! Why should I 
continue in such a strain^ 

CzAK. Then you do not love me ? 

Olga. Instead of love, sir, you wedded, hate! Instead of a woman you 
married a fiend. Do I recall the time when you, the loved, the adored and 
respected of all Europe, entered and destroyed my father's home and broke my 
mother's heart? Do I remember the past, when you, with your silken tongue 
drove the love out of this heart ; changed this girlish nature into hardened woman- 
hood, and caused the finger of derision to be pointed at her ? Did you love me 
then ? Never! The fear of revenge made you attempt atonement too late! 

Czar. Woman! Vou dare thus to speak ? 

Olga. \es! Who gave me cause to hate you ? Who has plotted against my 
life ? Who has ordered my actions watched ? Who offered the fairest province 
in Russia to the man who would accomplish my death ? Can you answer me ? 
No! Coward that you are! 

Czar. Have a care, or I will forget my love for you! 

Olga. Love? I loathe vou! Was I not warned of your two-facedness ? 
\ ou came here to have an understanding — you will have it. Listen : When you 



OLGA. 15 

offered Count .Storelki the fairest province in Russia to murder me, I was standing 
behind the curtains of the window. Every word you uttered, I noted. At the 
banquet God struck him dead through the medium of my hands. Your death 
shall be terrible, but not by my hands. 

Czar. [Jumping quickly to feet.] Woman! Devil! Is my life your next? 
Do your best. I laugh at you, for this day your life will be forfeied. V'our 
malignant spirit will soon scoff no more. [Olga laughs.] By heaven, I'll stamp 
you under my heel! [Attempts to lay hands on her.] 

Olga. [Draws dagger.] Back, fool! I will bury this blade in your heart! 
One slight scratch, and not all the physicians of Europe can save your life. 
[Czar draws back whispering, " Poison!"] Yes, you draw back, you coward! 
1 give you life, for the time has not yet come. Go! -Attempt my life and you 
forfeit your own ! 

Czar. [At entrance of door.] Yes, fell woman, your time has come. [Exit c] 

Olga. Ah-ah-ha-ha-ha-ha! This man, an emperor ? He is without feeling, 
honor or love. Cruel and infle.\ible. His word is as dishonorable as his 
name. 

Enter I'loretta. (C.) 

Eloretta. [Excitedly.] Madam, -<iear madam! Have a care! Count 
Bubbleoff has been instructed to arrest you! Let us escape! (Jur friends outside 
this place will shelter us to the border! 

Olga. [Unconcernedly.] Where did his majesty go V 

Eloretta. For a drive. 

Olga. Leave me, girl! I will consider what is to be done. [Floretta retires.] 
.So his treachery is al work again. My hand is more powerful than his. My 
friends more loyal. 1 he time has arrived. Within this palace live, eat and 
sleep his murderers. At my call they come. [Pulls string, enter two Nihilists from 
closet ] Welcome Brothers! 

Nihilist No. i. .'\re we safe, madam? 

Olga. Would I have summoned you if otherwise ? My news is good ; in part 
bad. The time has come for your wrongs to be righted. I'he Czar has ordered 
my arrest, and gone for his drive. To you 1 give the honor of his death. Let 
him be killed this daj'. Do you understand ? 

Nihilist No. i. \ es, madam, he shall die, or we perish in the attempt! 
What are you to do ? 

Olga. I will remain here, and see your work. When opportunity offers 
execute the deed. Let it be a masterly work. Kim, the enslaver of Russia, 
should die the death befitting such tyrants! Stay! Why not let the bombs be 
fired from the underground passages leading to the river ? He will pass along 
the road approaching the royal stables. Let one be fired under the carriage as 
it passes, and the other, should the first fail. The bombs are fragile, and slight 
force will break them. What do you say, .sirs ? [They confer.] 

Nihilist No. i. We consider your last proposal the best. Will the wire 
under the causeway work to warn us of his approach ? 

Olga. Has it not answered satisfactorily these months past? Fear it not. 
.\s his carriage passes the line, discharge the bomb from the catapult. The 
officers and police will, of course, aitest the wrong man, allowing you free. One 



16 OLGA. 

hundred thou>and roubles are in the vault ; take what is necessary and leave 
Russia. Ply to England or America! Depart now, for the time is near. [Exit 
Nihilists.] Brave men in an unworthy cause! Had not this tyrant heaped 
untold misery on my head for years, never would I instigate men to take his 
life! 

Enter Count Bubbleoffand two soldiers, (c. ) 

Count Bubbleoff. Madam Olga Le Peon, by the order of his imperial 
majesty, the Czar of all the Russias, I am commanded to place you under arrest. 
Vou will, madam, prepare to accompany me to the prison of St. Peter and St. 
Paul. 

Olga. Most noble Count Bubbleoff, present your warrant for my apprehension. 
[Reaches out hand.l 

Count Bubbleoff. I beg pardon, madam. There is no necessity for a 
warrant. It is his imperial majesty's commands personally to me. 

Olga. Seeing, noble Count, that it is Olga Le Peon, consort of the Czar of 
Russia, who demands that warrant, and you refuse to produce it, she orders you 
hence. 

Count Bubbleoff. [To soldiers.]. Arrest this woman! 1 will be answerable 
to his majesty! 

Olga. i3y this ring I defy you! Lay a hand on your empress and you die! 
[Soldiers fall back.] 

Count Bubbleoff. Madam, I am sorry to use force. 

Olga. Sir Count, 1 order you to leave this room until his majesty returns, 
when he is able to issue a warrant for my arrest, then carry out your instructions. 
Kindly retire. Good afternoon, gentlemen! 

Count Bubbleoff. [To soldiers.] Return to the barracks. Damn the 
women! [Exit.] 

Olga. What's that ! The sound of thunder? An explosion! Have they 
succeeded? Another! The first must have failed! The second surely has taken 
effect! What a noise! The call to arms is sounding! The troops are hurrying! 
See how they surround the palace! What is that on the sleigh? Him! Not 
dead! He moves! Cursed fools for sparing his life! They rush here! What 
care 1 whether they come, now my revenge has been accomplished! 

Sudden entrance of Count Nicholoffand soldiers, (c.j 

Count Nicholoff. Sieze this woman! Watch her closely! Search the 
room, and carry all papers away! 

Olga. Why this, sirs? Do you know who I am ? 

Count Nicholoff. Silence, woman! You are the assassinator of the 
emperor. 

Olga. Me? [Indignantly.] 

Count Nicholoff. Madam, have you any papers? 

Olga. Two. My certificate of marriage to your emperor, and the certificate 
of his child's birth. 

Count Nicholoff. Give them to me. [Hands her papers. To soldiers.] 
Guard her to prison. [All retire.] 



OLGA. 17 

Enter Silver and Malcolm, (r.) 

Malcolm. Well, this is interesting. We are in for it! The emperor assassin- 
ated; Madam Le Peon arrested, and we in the palace. 

Silver. Better in it than out, .seeing that we were likely to get pitch-forked 
by the soldiers. What are we going to do ? 

Malcolm. Remain quiet until we get a chance lo speak. Have you got 
your gate-pass and your credentials ? 

Silver. I've got the gate-pass, but not the credentials. 

M.'VLCOLM. - Confound you! Why the duce don't you carry your credentials 
about with you? Siberia for you this time sure! 

Silver. Oh, no! I am not going to Siberia to work for the Czar! I've been 
in many a pickle, but I guess none so blue-looking as this. Is the palace sur- 
rounded by soldiers? 

Malcolm. [Scornfully.] I should think it was ! Kven the city is full of 
them. Hark! There goes the minute guns. He's dead. 

Silver. Dead? Cuss my luck! Siberia stares me in the face! Let's see 
if there's a chance to escape. [Exit L.] 

Enter Floretta. (c.) 

Floretta. They have arrested my mistress and placed her in prison. If they 
keep her there twenty-four hours 1 am mistaken. She knows every secret passage 
and door in that prison. 1 c^juld wager my life she will escape. What's that ! 
Somebody in the closet. [Screams.] 

Enter Olga, in irons. 

Olga. Hush! I^uiet! What are you doing here '.' 

KLORETr.\. I don't know! Let us escape! 

On; a No! Regone! Leave me here! 

Floretta. Leave you? Neierl 

Olga. liut it is for the be.st. !\iy life is spent, "'i ou have been a faithful 
companion to me. \ ou have suffered much for my sake. 1 shall never be able 
to repay you. There, do not weep. I shall be happy then. Take this ring ; it 
will insure your safety. Good-bye! Ood bless you! [E.vit Floretta.] Now I 
am alone, ihe dampest cell they have consigned to me. Little they think I am 
familiar with the secrets of that vast home of miseries. To enter it is to die. A 
poison 1 must secret, for it will save me from a fellon's dgflth. [C.oes to drawer 
and takes out a quill.] Poison! With your awful subtleness perform your work 
well! Fail me not in my time of need! Some one comes! 

Enter suddenly Count Pubbleoff and soldiers. 

Count Bubbleoff. [Draws sword quickly.] Halt! [To soldiers.] Woman! 
[Astonished.] Why art you here? [Turning to soldiers.] Who has charge of 
this prisoner? Why was she not chained to the floor? .Aw.iy with her and chain 
her in the deepest dungeon in the prison! 

Olga. [Soldiers attempt to lay hands upon her.] Hack slaves! I will go! 
I fear not death ! 

ENI> OK ACT IV. 



18 OLGA. 



ACT V. 



Scene — Chamber in Prison of St. Peter and St. Paul. 

[Council chamber in which are gathered a military tribunal — Counts NicholofF, 
BubbleofF, Stivoli, Pavilichi and Kurko seated around a table. R.] 

Count Nicholoff. My lords, we are satisfied that this woman, Olga Le 
Peon, should be tried by this Military Court, for the part she has taken in the 
assassination of our late emperor. But whether we have the right to pass 
sentence of death on her, is for our present Czar to decide. This woman had 
received the greatest munificence from his late majesty. In one of his letters he 
leaves instructions that we apply the sum of 250,000 roubles for the benefit of his 
son by marriage to this woman. Apparently the child was left in the hands of 
Olga Le Peon's parents. If this son is alive it is our duty to cany out our late 
emperor's requests. Before proceeding further would it not be better to ascertain 
from the prisoner if her .son is living? 

Count HaBBLEOFF. Sir Count, my lords, from my experience in dealing 
with this woman we will have to exercise considerable caution. 

Count Nicholoff. I'ndoubtedly, sir Count. Are we, my lords, of one 
opinion in this case? [All bow.] Then we will hear the prisoner. [Rings, and 
aide-camp enters.] Bring in the prisoner. 

Aide-camp. .An order, my lord? 

Count Nichoi.off. Ah! ^ es ! [Writes.] Here! Delay not ! [Exit aide- 
camp.] My lords, we must, by all means discover who carried out this woman's 
instructions, for at the time of the explosion she was in her apartments. Her 
maid has escaped. [Enter c. prisoner chained.] Count Stivoli, will you read 
the charge against this woman ? 

Coi NT Stivoli. We, the Counts ^ icholoffj Bubbleoff, Stivoli, ?'avilichi and 
Kiirko, forming the highe.st JNJilitary 'J'ribunal of Russia, are commanded by his 
imperial majesty of all the Kussias to arrest, and give trial to CIga Le Peon for 
the assassination of his late imperial majesty, the Czar of all the Russias. We, 
therefore, meet in council and command the above Olga Le 1 eon to be brought 
to trial at this Court. Peter McholofT, Alexander Paul Bubbleoff, Nicholas 
Stivoli, Peter Paul Pavilichi, .Ale.xandcr Kurko, Crand Military Council. 
[Sits.] 

Count > icholoff. Madam, having heard the charge, I now warn you that 
you must answer without hesitation all questions of whatever nature, put by this 
Court. It will be to your benefit to be truthful and straightforward in these 
answers. \ our character before coming to ihis country is known to our Council, 
therefore, for the present, we wish not to touch upon that. First, we demand 
the names of your confederates in tht late assassination ! 



OL&A. 19 

Olga. Aly lords, you demand from me the names of the assassinators of my 
late husband? Why such demand? Was not my hus and surrounded by his 
officers and guards ? If they have failed to discover who his murderers are, then 
why ask me ? Here I am, a weak and defenceless woman ; loaded with chains ; 
cast into the deepest and darkest of dungeons ; half starved, no couch to rest upon 
but the bare, damp floor — brought here like a felon, and asked to nauie the 
assassinators of my husband! Sirs, you wrong me when you ask such a question, 
and cast more misery into mj' already over-flowing cup of sorrow! 

CoiJNT NicHuLOFF. Madam, this by-plav of words avails you little, for here 
in a memorandum from his late majesty, he writes of your plotting against his 
noble life! Had you not escaped from your cell, these heavy chains and that 
dark dungeon would not have been placed to your lot. 

Olga. Sirs, instead of his late majesty writing that I plotted to a-sassinate 
him, it is the reverse! He lied! [All stare] You, my lords, are empowered 
to sit in judgment on me, and from your military calling, 1 am well aware that 
my death would be to your satisfaction! 

Count Siivoli. Madam, kindly withhold your opinion regarding this 
council. Let the subject be that upon which you are charged. 

Olga. What if I refuse to speak ? 

Count Niciioloff. Yoj will then return to your dungeon until you break 
your vow. .•^s we have not heard your answer to these charges, you would be 
wronging yourself to remain silent. S ou say that his late majesty plotted against 
your life? Kindly e.^cplain. 

Olga. Are you aware of my relationship to his majesty ? 

Count Nicholokk. So far as these papers explain, we are. 

Olga. When did thesu papers come into your possession, sirs? 

Count Nicholoff. A few minutes before the late Czar went for his fatal 
drive. Ihey contain very full and important information regarding you and 
your son. 

Olga. [.\side.] 1 see my race is run! 1 have nothing now to live for! My 
parents dead, and me, their only daughter, an outcast! What need I care? 
(Turns to judges.] You shall know the man you call noble emperor! \ ou shall 
know him as I knew him? Know his perlidy ; his tyranny! isoble? Ao! 

Count Nicholoff. Madam, confine yourself strictly to the accusations you 
have made against our late emperor. 

Olga. I carry you back, back into those happy days when he woed and won 
my affections! Base traitor! Oh, let me shut those days of happiness out! 
Recall not those memories! \ es, I will recall them? My shame is little to the 
eyes of the world. Through his baseness I stand here. When I arrived in this 
city 1 was conducted to Count Storelki's private mansion. My nurse accompanied 
me with my child. I was shortly afterwards appointed lady-in-waiting to the 
empress. Their infant son was placed in my charge! I'he difference in ages 
varied but a few months. So like were they, that often I had been mistaken 
regarding which was Russia's future emperor! Seldom was their child out of 
my care, and \ ery little attention did he receive from his parents. 

CoUiVT Nicholoff. To whom was your child known ! 

( 'LGA. To no person in the palace was my child's life known bul my nurse- 



so OLGA. 

The emperor, then Grand Duke, was becoming weary of me. When he became 
emperor he wished me dead. On the night of the banquet in honor of his royal 
consort's birthday he promised the fairest province in Russia to Count Storeiki 
if he would kill me. 

Count Nicholoff. Madam, be careful what you say! 

Olga. Every word I heard! His servant called in the aid of a notorious 
murderer, who promised to do the deed. 

Count .Stivoli. My lords, this woman is mad! 

Olga. No, sirs! not mad! Do you remember, my lords, Count Storeiki 
rising to congratulate their majesties? Do you remember how he fell dead V 
How the physician pronounced it apople.xy? \es! Apoplexy by poison at my 
hands! [,\11 start.] Start not! Startled you will be, and horrified before this 
council adjourns! I nursed your empress to her grave! Slow, subtle poison 
cured her of all suffering! [They draw swords!] 

Count Kubbleoff. Traitoress! You shall die! [.\pproaching.] 

Count Kicholoff. Halt, sir! Let her continue! [.All replace swopds. J 

Olga. \ ou commanded me to speak ! When 1 have finished, then do your 
worst ! Ill-treated and denied by hi/; majesty ; scoffed at by his servants, my 
madness knew no bounds An hour or two before his death he did assault me, 
and would have killed me, where it not for my dagger, whose poisoned blade 
drove the coward back with fear! His last threat was but my determination to 
to tnd his life! 1 communicated *ith several noted Nihilists, who were concealed 
within the palace. My will, my word, was law to them. His majesty's life they 
lookt^d for most. .At my command they killed him, and are by this time beyond 
reach. 'J'lieir names 1 know not. 

Count Nicholoff. Madam, is this to be relied upon? Then you do not 
know the names of your assistants in this dastardly crime ? 

Olga. Sir Count, why should I speak falsely, knowing you have already 
sentenced me to death ? Did 1 know their names my word of honor is dearer 
to me than life. 

Count Nicholoff. Then Madam [Sudden ringing of bell.] .Ah! 

traitor.s! [.All spring to feet, and draw swords.] F\cn in the prison! [F.nter 
Aide-camp with note.] No fear, my lords, only an .American and Knglishman 
caught within the palace walls. 1 et them be brought in. Maybe they will be 
able to throw light on this affair. [Replace swords.] 

Olga. [.\side ] Fools, these men! 

Lnter SiKerand Malcolm guarded 

Count Nicholoff. .Ah! Both in the diplomatic service! i ientlemen, L ! ti 
prisoners.] Why here? 

SiLvtR. [Aside.] Siberia this time! Oh, Siberia! 

Malcolm. My lords, at the time of this unhappy occurence we happened to 
be in the palace. My friend here had forgotten his credentials, and Knowing the 
difficulties which surrounded us, we attempted to leave. 'J'hat is all, sirs. 

Count NICH0l.OK^. We are satisfied, gentlemen, with your answer. Sou 
may retire, and my secretary will see to passports. 

Silver. [Aside.] Saved again! 



OL.QA. 21 

Olga. No, sirs, remain! I comnfend you to be witnesses of this unjust trial. 

Count Nicholoff. Gentlemen, kindly retire. 

Olga. Retire, and you leave me at ihe mercy of these men! This Milit.Try 
Tribunal, whose only justice is the sword! 

Count Nicholoff. Gentlemen, withdraw. [Exit Malcolm and Silver.) 

Olga. [Aside.] Why need I now hope 1 My heart is broken! I wish to die! 
I feel the tears of weak womanhood rising to my eyes! [.Aloud. 1 My crimes to 
you are terrible, but to me are a just revenge! \ ou have asked me where my 
son is! Do you command it ? [Takes poison.] 

Count Nicholoff. We do, madam! 

Olga. My lords, with these dying lips I swear wretched Olga Le I'eon's son 
is your king! [All jump to feet and draw swords.] Hold! The children 1 
changed in the cradle! He's gone! V'our king! My son reigns! Speed on 
sweet nectar from the serpent's womb! Poison, save me from the e.xecutioner's 
sword! He reigns! Oh, God! jFallsdead.] 



THE END. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



MoNs. Le Peon. 

Madam Le Peon. 

Olga Le Peon. 

FfcORETTA. (Olga's Maid.) 

Madam Cargnac, (Olga's Nurse.) 

Joseph, (Servant.) 

Count Storelki, (Grand Duke's Confidential Servant.) 

Grand Duke Alexis 

Czar of Russia. 

Czarina of Russia. 

Dr. Lanceroff. 

Nihilist No. i. 

Count Bubbleoff, (Captain of Guard.) 

Count Nicholoff, (Commander-in Chief of ."^rmy.) 

Count Stivoli. (Cleric of Military Tribunal.) 

Count Pavilichi, (Member of Military Tribunal.) 

Count Kurko, (Member of Military Tribunal.) 

Atkins Malcolm, (Clerk in British Diplomatic office.) 

John Silver, (Clerk in American Diplomatic office.) 

Lord Bell, (British Ambassador at St. Petersburg.) 

Count Von Wangheim, (German .Ambassador at St. I'etersbnrg.) 

Count Melikoff, (Minister'of War.) 

Count Skobeloff, (Minister of Foreign Aft'airs.) 

Aide-Camf. 

Soldiers, Etc. 



